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Bible Pathways - June 29, 2005


June 29

 

Read Psalms 23:1

 

In Today's Reading:

 

The Great Shepherd; King of Glory; prayer for guidance; love for God's House; prayer for God's help; adoration of God's mighty power

 

David, the old shepherd-king who saw himself as nothing more than a sheep that needed to be led, was inspired by the Holy Spirit to write: The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want (lack anything) . . . . He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His Name's sake (Psalm 23:1-3). No other livestock requires more attention than sheep. Left alone, they can easily become separated from the flock and lose their way. Of all domesticated animals, sheep are the most defenseless and helpless.

 

By nature, we are all like sheep. We may blindly follow the same paths that we know have ruined the lives of others. Or, we can become so caught up in our own affairs that we lose sight of the Good Shepherd and find ourselves separated from Him (see John 10:11,14).

 

The trouble with most of us is that many times we try to be our own shepherd. There is something almost terrifying about the consequences of the destructive, self-willed stubbornness of those who refuse to be led in the paths of righteousness. They are determined to go their own way, even though the path they take will inevitably lead to trouble and spiritual death. It is a fact that without the Good Shepherd we are helpless, defenseless sheep. When we recognize this we will fully trust the Good Shepherd. We are comforted and encouraged by knowing that though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for You are with me (Psalm 23:4).

 

Even Your rod and Your staff they comfort me (23:4) for we know that whom the Lord loves He chastens (disciplines) (Hebrews 12:6).

 

The utmost desire of every one of God's sheep should be daily bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ (II Corinthians 10:5). We can rest assured God will guide and provide for every need that will better prepare us for eternity with Him.

 

We should pray each day: "Lord, lead me in the paths of righteousness for (Your) Name's sake" (Psalm 23:3).

 

Christ Revealed:

 

As our Shepherd (Psalm 23). Christ declared: I am the Good Shepherd: the Good Shepherd gives His life for the sheep (John 10:11).

 

Word Studies:

 

26:1 slide = waver, fall; 26:2 reins = inner self; 26:4 dissemblers = pretenders, hypocrites; 28:2 holy oracle = Holy of Holies in the Temple (inner sanctuary); 28:3 mischief = malice.

 

Prayer Needs:

 

Pray for Government Officials: Rep. Virginia Foxx (NC) and Rep. Collin Peterson (MN) · Country: Cyprus (754,000) in the Middle East · Major languages: Greek and Turkish · No open evangelism or conversions to Christ · 75% Greek Orthodox; 19% Muslim; 1% Protestant; 1% Roman Catholic · Prayer Suggestion: Pray in the Name of Jesus Christ for it is by Him that we have access to God in prayer (Ephesians 2:18).

 

Optional Reading: Colossians 2

 

Memory Verse for the Week: 1 Thessalonians 4:8





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